Georgia state abortion law fuels Hollywood boycott call

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Alyssa Milano was among a number of actors pledging not to film in Georgia if the law passed

A new abortion law in the US state of Georgia has fuelled calls for a Hollywood boycott from actors and production companies.

A number of actors had signed an open letter in March pledging not to work there should the law pass.

Governor Brian Kemp signed the so-called “heartbeat” bill on Tuesday, which bans most abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy.

It is the latest state to enact legislation restricting abortion.

The law is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January, but is expected to face challenges in the courts.

A federal judge blocked such a law in Kentucky which was scheduled to come into effect immediately as it could be unconstitutional, while Mississippi passed a six-week abortion law in March that is not due to take effect until July and is also facing challenges.

“This law would make Georgia an inhospitable place for those in the film and television industry to work, including our members,” its statement read.

Directors JJ Abrams and Jordan Peele meanwhile have said they will continue to make their programme Lovecraft Country in the state, but vowed to donate “100% of our respective episodic fees” to groups fighting the bill.

“Governor Kemp’s ‘Foetal Heartbeat’ Abortion Law is an unconstitutional effort to further restrict women and their health providers from making private medical decisions on their terms,” their statement said.

“Make no mistake, this is an attack aimed squarely and purposely at women.”

However, some in the industry have not committed to the boycott and are waiting to see what comes of any potential legal challenges.

Chris Ortman, a spokesman for the Motion Picture Association, issued a statement saying the group planned to “monitor developments”.

“Film and television production in Georgia supports more than 92,000 jobs and brings significant economic benefits to communities and families,” he said.

“It is important to remember that similar legislation has been attempted in other states, and has either been enjoined by the courts or is currently being challenged. The outcome in Georgia will also be determined through the legal process.”

Add others in Georgia itself recommend supporting efforts to challenge the new law, rather than to boycott the state.

“What about the working class folks who are going to be impacted in rural communities throughout the state? What is a boycott of the film industry going to do for them?” activist and poet Aurielle Marie wrote in a Twitter thread, calling on actors to instead pay money to support local organisations.